Anyone have any experience with a knee fracture, how to get around with a cast, recovery and any tips or advice. Fell down hit my knee and have a small fracture. They put a splint for one week and tomorrow change to cast. How to get more protein and calcium for healing, and how to manage with a walker. What is recovery like, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You have to set the walker to the correct height so you’re not leaning too far forward or too far back, which can cause back pain. As for extra calcium and protein, it’s best to look it up online and check. There are protein powders and calcium tablets, but the best option is simply to eat more meat and fish.

 

23 minutes ago, steveb5 said:

How to get more protein and calcium for healing,

 

Eat more protein...  consume calcium supplements.

 

Fracture / bone recovery should be relatively quick and full (much better than recovery from torn ligaments etc)... 

 

Bone healing should take about 6-8 weeks (depending on severity of fracture). 

Walking without pain - usually ~3 weeks.

 

But, you haven't said where your small knee fracture is, is it tibial plateau, patella hairline fracture, or a small avulsion etc ?

 

And, have you not been advised to remain non-weight bearing for the first few weeks ?

6 hours ago, steveb5 said:

Anyone have any experience with a knee fracture, how to get around with a cast, recovery and any tips or advice. Fell down hit my knee and have a small fracture. They put a splint for one week and tomorrow change to cast. How to get more protein and calcium for healing, and how to manage with a walker. What is recovery like, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Not knowing about the specific diagnose of "knee fracture" (kneecap?), a following cast will be made exactly for your knee/leg. 

Please ask your doc if you can bear some weight.

Let it be monitored.

A walker is not necessary. Special food is not necessary.

8 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

A walker is not necessary. Special food is not necessary.

 

 

It will help him maintain his balance, which is especially important if the OP is older.

 

He has most very likely been advised by his doctor, to use a walker

 

 

The OP didn't ask about special food.

 

 

 

https://www.renoortho.com/specialties/general-orthopedic-surgery/nutrition-for-healing/

Yes I am older 72 and going to the doctor tomorrow after one week with a splint. Very difficult to get around so hoping tomorrow when they put on a cast it should be a little easier. I only know it's a knee fracture not sure what area and told only minimal weight on the foot. Will update more information. Thanks for all the help and advice. Using a Walker but very difficult living in a condominium with a narrow bathroom low toilet makes it even more difficult.

It's a good idea to get a grab rail installed, to help in the toilet.

 

Unfortunately with our advancing years, we need stuff like this to prevent falls.

 

3 hours ago, Bacon1 said:

It's a good idea to get a grab rail installed, to help in the toilet.

 

Unfortunately with our advancing years, we need stuff like this to prevent falls.

 

It's far better to train your balance and gain confidence to walk without aids, not to get dependent on them.

Anyway, follow the advice of your Doc. He will know what is the best for your body, health issues.

What was it precisely, this "knee fracture"? Replacement?

 

Argumentative comment hidden @newbee2022

On 12/1/2025 at 2:01 PM, steveb5 said:

Anyone have any experience with a knee fracture, how to get around with a cast, recovery and any tips or advice. Fell down hit my knee and have a small fracture. They put a splint for one week and tomorrow change to cast. How to get more protein and calcium for healing, and how to manage with a walker. What is recovery like, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Different strokes for different folks. I've had two knee cap fractures 40 years ago. After it was drained of fluids all I got was a Velcro brace never placed in a cast as noted that was for knee cap fractures after two weeks I never use any crutch I just hopped around.

I broke my kneecap a couple of years ago, stepping off a sidewalk on a street corner in.the north of Thailand without looking down - it was 60 cm above the road - and landing with my full weight on one knee….. At the time I didn’t know it was broken - I didn’ see a doctor -  but I couldn’t walk for a couple of days. Then I started swimming with one leg, a bit later cycling with the leg in question just rotating without any force put on it. Improved slowly over the next weeks but remained painful. When I returned to my home country 10 weeks later I saw my GP who sent me to hospital for an Xray, After the Xray was examined, a nurse came out with a wheel chair for me - the kneecap  was broken! They found it hard to believe that I had been on my feet for the last 10 weeeks. After further examination I only got a Velcro brace to wear for some time. Almost fully recovered, but still sensitive walking up stairs.